Information Literacy/Media

THE PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE UNITED COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

In this increasingly global world of information, students must be taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information ethically, and use social tools responsibly and safely.  Today’s student also needs to develop information skills that will enable them to use technology as an important tool for learning, both now and in the future.

 

STANDARDS FOR INFORMATION LITERACY
UNITED COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Grades PK-6)

 

Standard 1: Reads widely both for information and in pursuit of personal interests.

The learner:

• Is a self-motivated reader
• Reads both fiction and non-fiction
• Uses a variety of reading strategies to understand non-fiction and informational text
• Develops a background in types of literature and literary elements
• Connects ideas to personal interests and previous knowledge and experience
• Applies critical thinking skills when reading, viewing and listening
• Responds to literature and other creative expressions of information in many formats

 

Benchmarks

PK-2

• Selects a picture book to share with family
• Is able to check out books

3-4

• Uses both text and visuals to understand literature
• Selects a "just right" book independently for personal reading
• Distinguishes between different types and elements of literature

5-6

• Seeks information related to personal interests
• Selects literature based on interest, need and appropriateness
• Selects books and other materials independently for classroom assignments and personal interests.

 

Standard 2: Uses inquiry and critical thinking skills to acquire, evaluate, use and create information.

 

A.  The learner accesses information efficiently and effectively.

• Recognizes the need for information
• Formulates questions based on information needs
• Identifies a variety of potential sources of information
• Develops and uses successful strategies for locating information
• Uses technology effectively to locate information
• Uses a variety of print and electronic tools to find information

 

Benchmarks

PK-2

• Understands basic organizational pattern of library
• Locates parts of a book

3-4

• Explains an information need
• Understands the concept of keywords
• Demonstrates skill in using electronic catalog
• Locates materials on library shelves by call number
• Uses print and electronic sources to access, extract and process information

5-6

• Understands scope, depth and potential usefulness of a variety of available information resources
• Uses search and navigational features of print and electronic sources to efficiently access information

 

 

B.    The learner evaluates information critically and competently

• Determines accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness
• Distinguishes among fact, point of view, and opinion
• Identifies inaccurate and misleading information
• Selects information relevant to the problem or question at hand
• Derives meaning from information presented in a variety of formats

 

Benchmarks

3-4

• Differentiates between fact and fiction
• Identifies appropriate and relevant sources of information
• Identifies appropriate and relevant information within sources
• Evaluates search process

5-6

• Examines and evaluates information
• Extracts relevant and essential information from sources

 

 

C.     The learner uses information accurately, creatively and ethically.

• Organizes information for practical application
• Integrates new information into current knowledge
• Creates and communicates information and ideas in appropriate formats
• Uses technology effectively to organize, present and document research findings
• Designs, develops and evaluates information products and solutions both for school assignments and    personal interests.
• Reflects on strategies for revising and improving process and product

 

Benchmarks

3-4

• Communicates results of information search in format appropriate for content

5-6

• Organizes and synthesizes information from multiple sources
• Creates and effectively communicates information and ideas to others

 

 

Standard 3: Seeks multiple perspectives, shares information and ideas with others and uses information and resources ethically.

• Seeks information from diverse sources, contexts, disciplines and cultures
• Respects intellectual property rights and understands the need for documenting sources
• Uses technology and resources responsibly
• Works independently and in groups to pursue information to solve problems
• Participates and collaborates as a member of a team of learners

 

 

Benchmarks

PK-2

• Listens attentively
• Takes part in discussions
• Works cooperatively with others
• Respects library facility, resources and policies

3-4

• Uses library materials and technology responsibly
• Understands the need for citing sources of information (copyright)
• Respects others’ ideas and backgrounds and acknowledges their contributions

5-6

• Understands the concept of plagiarism and cites sources properly
• Uses library materials, computers and other equipment productively, responsibly, and independently.
• Works effectively in groups